Royal Caribbean Blog

Kids Sail Free is a promotion Royal Caribbean offers from time to time on select sailings that are usually a great vacation discount.  Throughout the year, Royal Caribbean will offer Kids Sail Free deals as a way to encourage new bookings. 

Royal Caribbean regularly updates the offer on a monthly basis. In this post, we will cover information about the promotion, tips for booking it, and offer answers to frequently asked questions.

For starters, Kids Sail Free is an offer Royal Caribbean offers selectively throughout the year. 

What is Kids Sail Free promotion?

The exact offer details may vary, but Royal Caribbean's Kids Sail Free offers are usually consistent in their basics. Third guests and higher who are 12 years old or younger on select 4 nights or longer sailings are eligible for free cruise fare.

The "catch" with a Kids Sail Free deal are the blackout dates that prevent you from booking the promotion.

There are usually many blackout dates associated with any Kids Sail Free offer, which means if your cruise begins on or in any of the blackout dates, the Kids Sail Free offer does not qualify. Not surprisingly, most of the black out dates are over major school holidays in the United States calendar year. 

Here are some sample blackout dates from past Kids Sail Free offers:

• Spring break sailings departing March 7 - 28, 2025; April 12 - 24, 2025
• Holiday sailings departing December 18, 2025 – January 5, 2026
• Alaska Cruise Tour sailings departing May 16 – September 12, 2025

Kids Sail Free dates

Royal Caribbean is offering Kids Sail Free in March 2025.

The offer runs on bookings made between March 1 – March 31, 2025 and applies to select sailings 3 nights and longer departing on or after March 2, 2025.

It provides $0 cruise fare for additional guest 12 years old and younger as of the departure date booked in the same stateroom as the first full fare paying and second guests.

Kids Sail Free excludes all sailings departing on or during any of the following dates March 7 - 28, 2025; April 12 - 24, 2025; May 22 – August 29, 2025; November 20 - 28, 2025;  December 18, 2025 – January 5, 2026; March 6 – April 9, 2026; May 21 – September 4, 2026; November 19 – 27, 2026; December 17, 2026 – January 4, 2027; March 5 – April 1, 2027 Alaska Cruise Tour sailings departing May 16 – September 12, 2025; May 15 – September 11, 2026.

Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional and apply to all guests.

How often does Royal Caribbean offer Kids Sail Free?

There is no pattern to how many times a year or when the offer will become available.

Kids Sail Free is usually available a few times throughout the year. In fact, Royal Caribbean has been offering Kids Sail Free deals far more regularly than ever before.

Is it really free?

Assuming your kids qualify for the deal, their cruise fare cost will be zero.

You are still responsible for paying for the taxes and port fees associated with the children, along with any other charges onboard.  But if you look at the cruise invoice, their cruise fare will be zero. 

Like all guests, a daily gratuity will be charged per passenger, including the kids.

Be sure to check the fine print before booking to understand exactly the full price of the cruise.

When comparing prices, it is critical to compare the exact cabin type to each other. 

Often, people will look at the price of a cabin designed for two people and then increase the amount of people in the cabin to four people, and get a different cabin category.

The easiest cabin category to see how much money Kids Sail Free can save are suites because most suites can accommodate up to 4 people all the time. Not to mention the per-person savings in a suite will be significantly higher than in lower cabins.

Kids Sail For Less

In addition to the Kids Sail Free offer, Royal Caribbean may also offer the Kids Sail For Less offer, which is typically 25-30% off cruise fare for third guests and higher booked in the same stateroom as the first two qualified guests.

The primary advantage of Kids Sail For Less is there are no blackout dates associated with Kids Sail For Less.  This means if you have a couple of kids in your stateroom, you receive a discount on them. 

Moreover, Kids Sail For Less often does not have age restrictions in place, so really any guest of any age who is a third guest, fourth guest, fifth guest, et al in the same stateroom as the first two guests can get a discount.

Is Kids Sail Free a lie?

A common question asked is when comparing prices, adding kids to a reservation in order to take advantage of a Kids Sail Free offer ends up increasing the overall price.

The reason why this occurs is when you select a cabin for two passengers, the system assigns you a stateroom designed just for two guests. When you add kids, it selects a different stateroom that is larger in living space so it can accommodate four people.

The vast majority of cabins on a cruise ship can only sleep two people.  Because they are plentiful, there is more supply, and higher supply means lower prices.  

Generally speaking, cabins that can sleep more than two people are fewer in supply.  There are not nearly as many, so they are in demand, they sell out quicker and that demand drives up the rate.  

If you were to compare booking a cabin as if everyone in your party was an adult and then compare that to two adults plus kids, you would see the price difference.  Only then is it apples-to-apples.  

Royal Caribbean offers some of its best loyalty benefits when you reach Diamond level, and one passenger got there as fast as possible.

Crown & Anchor Society rewards loyal cruisers with perks like free drinks, exclusive lounge access, Casino Royale FreePlay, laundry discounts, and more. However, the true benefits start once you've reached Diamond status. 

To become a Diamond Crown & Anchor member, you must accumulate 80 cruise points. Typically, guests receive one cruise point per night, meaning if you take a 7-night cruise in a standard cabin (i.e., interior, ocean view, or balcony), you'll get 7 cruise points. 

However, cruisers in suites and traveling solo get two cruise points per night, so they'd get 14 points for a 7-night cruise. Similarly, a Royal Caribbean passenger on a 3-night cruise in a Grand Suite would receive 6 cruise points. 

Considering you need 80 cruise points to reach Diamond status, it takes years for the average cruiser to climb to the fourth tier of the Crown & Anchor Society. 

To achieve this, you’d need to complete 12 weeklong cruises in a standard cabin or 6 in a suite. Alternatively, you’d have to take 20 4-night Royal Caribbean voyages if you prefer shorter cruises. 

Recently, one cruiser shared how they went from a Gold to Diamond C&A member in just one month. Shared to the r/royalcaribbean Reddit thread, macacofreco explained how he managed to fast-track his way to Diamond status by booking back-to-back cruises sailing various routes. 

He started his month-long journey with 21 cruise points. By the end, he had reached Diamond status, accumulating a total of 81 cruise points.

Read more: How to earn Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society points faster

Delayed transatlantic cruise 

macacofreco received four free C&A points due to the delay of his transatlantic cruise, which resulted in a refund for two missed days. In addition, four ports of call were canceled during the journey. 

He got 26 cruise points for the 13-night transatlantic cruise on Adventure of the Seas. The sailing departed from Barcelona, Spain, and arrived in Port Canaveral, Florida, on Dec. 7. 

Despite not being on board for the entire 13 nights, the points he earned for the sailing helped him reach the highly coveted Diamond tier. Otherwise, he would have been three points short after his final cruise in 2024. 

Four ships from four different classes

Following Voyager of the Seas, macacofreco boarded Oasis of the Seas in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for a 6-night Western Caribbean cruise, calling at Perfect Day at CocoCay; Falmouth, Jamaica; and Labadee, Haiti. He earned 12 cruise points during this sailing. 

After disembarking from Oasis, macacofreco remained in Fort Lauderdale overnight awaiting another 6-night Western Caribbean cruise on Freedom of the Seas. While he returned to Jamaica and Haiti, he also visited Grand Cayman, earning an extra 12 cruise points.

Finally, the determined cruiser spent Christmas aboard Grandeur of the Seas, a Vision Class ship that launched in 1996. For the 5-night Eastern Caribbean cruise to Haiti and Grand Bahama Island, he accumulated 10 more cruise points. He noted that he thought Grandeur should be retired. 

Read more: 4 lesser-known perks of Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Program

The average cost was $160 per day

There are two ways to earn more than one cruise point per sailing. The first is to cruise solo. Because you're paying double occupancy, Royal Caribbean rewards you with two points per night. 

The second is to book a suite. The category doesn't make a difference. In other words, if you book a Star Class suite, you'll receive the same two points per night as passengers staying in Sky Class cabins. 

To climb the ranks as quickly and affordably as possible, macacofreco sailed by himself in the cheapest cabin available, nothing that he had a window stateroom on two sailings. 

Because he ascended ranks during his month-long journey, he had to call the Crown & Anchor Society support team to credit the points to his account so he could benefit from Platinum and Emerald perks while on board. 

"I had to contact [the] C&A deck to upgrade me twice because the points [take] a week to be credited automatically, and they did it," he wrote.

"You might also need to contact [the casino] host to get the extra free play credits after the upgrade."

macacofreco also talked about The Key, stating he'd only purchase the VIP package again if he were to get internet. He added that it's only worth the extra cost if you appreciate the exclusive FlowRider session. 

The Key program includes priority terminal access during designated arrival times, carry-on bag drop off with delivery to your cabin, welcome lunch with an exclusive menu, access to fast lane at onboard events, private FlowRider time, priority departure at tender ports, dedicated seating for shows in select venues, VOOM Surf & Stream internet for one device, and choice departure and á la carte breakfast on disembarkation day, 

Read more: I tried Royal Caribbean's The Key after hearing lots of negative reviews

Poor weather in November and December

Unfortunately, while macacofreco succeeded in reaching Diamond status in just one month, his journey was not without its challenges. 

"Many activities were canceled...due to bad weather," he explained. If the activity wasn't canceled, it was less enjoyable because of the inclement weather. 

"I would say the quantum class is the best option for [off-season] cruise[s] such as transatlantic, if you are an active [cruiser]," he added. 

Read more: Second cruise ship slams into Atlantic storm causing damage

It looks like it's actually going to happen this time, and you'll need to get a driver's license that is acceptable to cruise with.

The changeover from a traditional driver's license to a REAL ID has been in the works (and delayed) a few times, but this time it appears the new requirements will go into effect.

Beginning May 7, 2025, the US Department of Homeland Security will require every resident of a US state or territory who is 18 years of age and older to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification to go through airport security and board a flight within the United States. 

A passport is, of course, acceptable as well.

REAL IDs are marked by a star on the top of the card.

The reason why this is important is so many Americans fly to get on their cruise ship. 

Your old driver's license will no longer work on or after May 7th. Only a Real ID (or passport) will get you through the Transportation Security Authority's security check in order to to fly domestically.

What is a REAL ID?

Think of a REAL ID as an enhanced driver's license, and without one, you won't be able to get on a plane.

It was passed by Congress as a requirement in 2005 in an effort to standardize identification, such as driver's licenses.

REAL ID driver's licenses don't replace a passport. Rather, they just serve as the new standard for driver's licenses.

It's easy to figure out if you already have one. Check your driver's license or state-issued identification. If it has a gold star in the top right, it's REAL ID compliant. California and Maine have variations on this, but there's still a star.

How to get a REAL ID?

To get an updated form of identification, you'll need to go to wherever you were issued your driver's license in the first place.

Depending on your state, there could be special places for applying for a REAL ID, or you may just need to go to your local driver's license service center or tax collector office.

The exact paperwork needed to apply may vary, but you'll need proof of identity and status as a US resident or citizen, proof of your Social Security number and multiple proofs of your current address.

Originals or hard copies of documentation (birth certificate, Social Security card, US passport) are required, with photocopies and screenshots not accepted. Check your state's driver's licensing agency website for more specifics.

You should get a temporary paper ID until the REAL ID arrives in the mail a few weeks later.

The cost should be about the same as renewing your license or non-driving identification card. 

What happens if I don't get a REAL ID?

Unless the deadline gets extended again, you won't be able to fly with just a standard driver's license as of May 7th because you won't make it past airport security checkpoints.

Of course, you could still fly with other acceptable forms of identification: 

• A valid passport
• US Department of Defense ID
• Permanent resident card
• Border crossing card
• Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
• Enhanced Driver's License, issued by Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington state 

Since many people that cruise have a passport, you could use your passport to fly domestically instead of getting a REAL ID.

Can I cruise with a REAL ID instead of a passport?

You cannot use just a driver's license or REAL ID as the sole form of proof of identification in order to cruise.

Royal Caribbean allows Americans who are sailing from the same port their ship departs and returns to to sail without a passport, but you'll need more than just a REAL ID.

This is referred to as a closed-loop sailing, and nearly all Caribbean cruises departing from mainland U.S. states have cruises that are considered this sort of a sailing.

If you qualify, then you can go on a cruise with just a REAL ID and an original birth certificate.

A cruise ship can take you to amazing places, and a few itineraries are truly remarkable.

Royal Caribbean has the most cruise ships of any single line, and they sail to multiple continents every year. Even the commonly visited ports of call are still noteworthy for being the sort of places people want to visit.

When I speak with frequent cruisers, inevitably one of the common discussion topics are what is your favorite cruise port you've visited?

Inevitably the answer tends to be fall into a few popular choices and I think these are the places you'll definitely want to consider visiting as well.

Royal Caribbean tends to offer the most sailings to Alaska, Europe, and the Caribbean. These are popular places to visit, and each has crown jewels of vacation spots to see.

In addition, there are a handful of ships that visit Australia and the South Pacific, along with Asia.

With so many places to visit, how do you pick the best ones? What are the bucket list worthy places someone should absolutely get to at least once?

Here's my list of must-sees on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

Perfect Day at CocoCay

I know this sounds almost cliched, but Royal Caribbean's private island in The Bahamas is so darn good, it's what every other cruise line uses as the standard to measure itself against.

Located in the Berry Islands, CocoCay is available exclusively for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises passengers. No other lines can visit there.

It's the ultimate beach day without any hassle or thought. Royal Caribbean operates it all, and you simply walk off the ship and enjoy it.  An enclosed playground for passengers to do exactly what most people want out of a cruise vacation: a memorable day in a beautiful location.

Royal Caribbean designed CocoCay to deliver the perfect beach day experience.  "Perfect" is subjective, so they offer a lot of choices.  The perfect water park, the perfect beach for partying, the perfect beach for adults, the perfect upscale getaway, etc. 

There's no worrying about where and when to eat, or where to go because there are multiple choices. 

While you won't find any true authentic experiences that immerse you in a culture or history, but you will almost certainly have the Caribbean beach day you envisioned.

Inside passage cruise to Alaska

Everyone told me how amazing Alaska was, but until I experienced it, I could not properly appreciate it.

Royal Caribbean offers seasonal cruises in the summer to Alaska on four ships, operating from Seattle, Vancouver, or Seward, Alaska.

The reason why Alaska is one of the best destinations you can visit on a Royal Caribbean cruise is because of the amazing landscapes you can experience.

Glaciers, local culture, wildlife, and scenery will draw you in, and it seems like every day there's something else amazing to see.

The top two draws are probably the glaciers and animal viewing, and they do not disappoint in Alaska.

There are glaciers your ship will bring you close to, as well as glaciers you can get right up to with a shore excursion. It's magnificent to see these giant sheets of ice and rock.

Then there's the bears, whales, eagles, salmon, and many other animals you can see all around you.  The vast wilderness of Alaska is unparalleled. 

I know it seems almost counterintuitive to go somewhere "cold" for a cruise, but Alaska is worth visiting every single year.

Great Barrier Reef

Located on the coast of Queensland, Airlie Beach is a gateway to Australia’s Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef.

Cruises tender near the town of Airlie Beach, with a walkable main street and several attractions in the town itself, such as the Airlie Beach Lagoon, white sand beaches, and cafes, shopping, and restaurants.

Most visitors to Airlie Beach will opt for an excursion to discover the area’s natural beauty. Catamaran tours to the Whitsunday Islands, for example, give the opportunity to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe on the archipelago of 74 small islands floating off the coast.

If you’re looking for a unique experience, consider a flightseeing tour over the Great Barrier Reef, where you can spot the massive reef and nearby Whitsunday Islands from above.

Regardless of what you choose to do in port, Airlie Beach is sure to exceed your expectations for a gorgeous beach day.

Greek isles

When you combine natural beauty and a rich culture, you get the Greek Isles.

Cruise ships are well-suited for visiting the small Greek island that make up the southern part of the country, and it's where you'll find white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and iconic cliffside villages with whitewashed buildings.

The best part is not all the islands are the same. There's the volcanic islands like Santorini, and lush landscapes like Corfu. You can relax on Mykonos’ beaches, or go hiking in Crete.

Of course, Greece is synonymous with history, and there are so many ancient sites to explore Greek mythology. Ancient ruins dot the landscape, and it's going to draw you in just as much as the stunning landscapes.

If you're not sold yet on Greece, then you also get a chance to experience the amazing cruising. Fresh seafood, moussaka, baklava, and locally-produced olive oil are all must-eats. You'll be able to sample authentic Greek wines and enjoy traditional taverna dining.

A cruise makes seeing it all so much easier, because you can visit several islands without the hassle of ferries or constant packing/unpacking.

Norwegian fjords

If the dramatic landscapes are your thing, the fjords of Norway will not disappoint.

Cruises to Norway offer visits to its major cities and natural beauty of its fjords. You'll find towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush greenery.

The iconic fjords like Geirangerfjord, Sognefjord, and Hardangerfjord, are known for their breathtaking vistas. Cruise ships can provide the perfect vantage point because they will sail deep into fjords that are otherwise inaccessible by land.

Royal Caribbean's ships sail around Northern Europe during the summer, and it's the perfect way to see the region.

The history of the Viking people is also waiting for you here, and there's Viking museums, traditional Norwegian wooden churches, and picturesque fishing villages.

Bergen, Ålesund, and Flam, are all known for their colorful wooden houses, bustling harbors, and friendly locals.

Cruises around Asia

Royal Caribbean has a major presence in Asia, and you'll find cruises that can take you to China, Japan, and Thailand.

Their ships sail from China and Singapore, but the sailings from Singapore stand out as a fabulous choice for North American cruisers.

There's a mix of different cruises to offer something for everyone. Short 3- to 4-night shorts visits Malaysia and Thailand, whereas 10-night Southeast Asia cruises go to popular spots in Vietnam and Thailand.

When you think of Thailand, you’ll likely picture crystal clear beaches, green mountains, colorful temples, and spicy street food. Phuket, the largest island in Thailand, offers all of those attractions and more.

In short, you'll be able to visit the most sought-after destinations across Southeast Asia.

Bermuda

There are around 34 beaches and coves to discover in Bermuda, although the most famous is Horseshoe Bay, known for its clear waters and pink sand. The island also boasts excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities including underwater visits to shipwrecks.

Bermuda has an efficient public transportation system that makes exploring the island a breeze. You’ll enjoy taking a stroll around the colorful, colonial buildings in Bermuda’s capital of Hamilton, visiting Bermuda’s crystal caves, or touring the Royal Naval Dockyard.

Simply put, there’s no shortage of ways to keep busy in Bermuda despite the island’s small size.

You’ll find most Bermuda itineraries departing from Cape Liberty, New Jersey or Baltimore, Maryland, making visiting this Atlantic paradise convenient for those living in the northeast.

If you're ready to take a Royal Caribbean cruise in 2025, make sure you leave a few commonly packed items that aren't allowed onboard, at home!

Royal Caribbean has a lengthy list of prohibited items not allowed to be brought on a cruise ship, but in 2025, it's a good reminder that last has been recently updated.

Thanks to changing technology and different trends in travel, there's an occasional need not to bring certain things with you on your trip.

A few things were added to the banned item list last year, and others are still mistakenly brought onboard as a mistake.

Before you leave home, make sure you leave these 5 things at home before your cruise begins.

Outlet extender

Probably the most surprising thing you can't bring on a Royal Caribbean cruise anymore are outlet extenders.

In September 2024, the cruise line banned the very popular travel accessory without warning.

There's never been an official explanation, but I think it has to do with a fire risk. Fire is the most dangerous concern for a cruise ship because of how quickly it can spread.

"Multi-plug outlets" are now no longer allowed onboard, in addition to power strips and surge protectors.

From what we can tell, it seems the key is to ensure any power outlet extender you bring only has one electric outlet.  It can have any number of USB outlets.

As an example, this Anker 6 Port USB Charging Station would be acceptable (contains affiliate link that costs you nothing extra, but Royal Caribbean Blog will make a small commission if you purchase the item through the link).

A single EU to American power adaptor could also be allowed, since it does not add any new outlets. 

Travel router

Another new addition to the banned list of items is a travel router or other networking device meant to circumvent Royal Caribbean's internet offerings.

Royal Caribbean added "satellite dishes, routers, and other networking equipment" under the "cybersecurity and deliberate electronic crime" category of prohibited items.

Routers and other networking equipment can potentially interfere with the ship’s onboard systems, leading to security risks and connectivity problems for passengers and crew. 

Plus, these items can be used to extend a Voom internet package beyond the amount of devices it was intended to handle.

Clothing irons or steamers

Probably the most commonly packed thing you can't bring on a cruise ship has to be a clothing iron.

You're not allowed to pack, bring, or use an iron on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. And steamers are also not allowed to be brought onboard.

If you try to bring one, it will be confiscated and returned to you after the cruise is over.  The security team screens every piece of luggage coming onboard the ship and they look for irons (and other contraband items).

These are fire hazards and it will be confiscated quite quickly.

After a cruise is over, there's always a table full of confiscated irons, which means a lot of people aren't aware they aren't allowed on a ship.

Alcohol

Don't bother trying to bring beer or booze on your ship, because it will be confiscated.

Royal Caribbean bans these items and will hold it until the end of the cruise.  You can purchase these items in ports of call or on your ship, but they'll be held back until the end of the voyage.

You are allowed to bring one bottle of wine per adult on embarkation day, however. 

While we're on the topic, no, you should not try to sneak alcohol on your ship either. Not only is it against the rules, but it seems more trouble than it's worth.

You'd have to constantly shuttle back and forth to your room for refills, and the risks outweigh the convenience of simply buying a drink package.

Cooking appliances 

If irons and steamers are the top two most mistakenly packed things on a cruise, cooking appliances are probably second.

You'd be amazed how many rice cookers, instapots, and tea kettles are attempted to be brought on ships.

Regardless of why people want to bring them to use on the ship, they too are fire hazards and not allowed.

Want to know the best secret to going on a cruise ship with kids? Book a cabin for them and one for you.

I know it sounds like that would be expensive, but you'd be surprised how much better a deal it can be to get two connecting cabins instead of trying to book everyone into a single room.

This is one of my favorite family cruise hacks, and I've been using it for years.

We recently sailed on Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas for 5-nights and booked two connecting balcony cabins, which cost about $3,000 each. It was a New Year's Eve sailing, so that's why the price is higher than you might expect.

Here's why you should think about booking two cabins instead of one, and one thing I'll do differently after my latest sailing.

Two connecting cabins instead of a suite is usually cheaper

Ever since my kids started getting to an age where a little bit of privacy and separation was nice to have, we've embraced the two cabin idea. It's turned out to be a great decision, especially once we get on the ship and my wife and I get our own space from the kids.

The natural temptation is to book everyone in the same cabin, but that tends to be more problematic on cruise ships than at a hotel.

Cruise ship cabins are generally smaller than hotel rooms, so even before you consider alternative booking strategies, families have less space to contend with.

While Royal Caribbean has developed bigger cabins and cabins that are more family focused over the years (especially on Icon of the Seas), putting everyone in the same cabin usually results in the same two issues: not enough living space to be comfortable and sharing one bathroom.

There are suites that solve this problem by offering a separate bedroom and two bathrooms, but the prices for suites are anything but cheap.

Most suites don't have a second bedroom and/or bathroom, so it's really just the massive suites that work. And that means suites that are among the most expensive.

It's easy to just go for everyone in a single room and hope for the best.  To be fair, I've done that with my family on occasion and while not ideal, it's not the worst experience either.

In my experience, booking two smaller connecting staterooms can be more affordable than a suite and offers exactly what families need: space for everyone.

Having a second bathroom is the best reason to book two staterooms

As my kids have gotten older, demand for the bathroom has gotten far more contentious.

Not only do teens compete for the shower, but when we get back from a shore excursion, there's more fighting over the shower than who gets to ride in the front seat of the car.

In standard cabins, the bathrooms are usually really small.  This is definitely true of older Royal Caribbean ships, such as Voyager of the Seas.  

Space on the counter is really limited, so booking my wife and I along with our four kids in the same room means the bathroom would be a giant mess of toiletries.

Every time I've booked us in a cabin where we share one bathroom, I have almost immediate regret once the fighting begins about who gets to use the bathroom first.

Next time, I'd change how I book my teenagers in the cabin

For a long time I've had my MEI Travel agent book me in one cabin with one kid, and my wife in the cabin with the other kid.

The reason we did this was to be able to buy a Royal Caribbean drink package without incurring the rule that requires all the adults to buy a drink package if one adult buys one.

This strategy was fine when my kids were younger and I bought a beverage package every sailing, but I've stopped buying them as much because of the higher prices.

But the real reason why this booking strategy is becoming an issue is because my kids are spending more time around the ship on their own.

Because my oldest daughter is booked with me in my room, her SeaPass card can only open my cabin.  That's the cabin my wife and I share.  So if she's in the teen club on the ship until midnight and we're in bed, she'll disturb us as she returns to the room before her curfew.

In the future, I'll book the kids in one cabin and my wife and I in the other cabin to avoid this issue.

While it's true minors cannot be booked in a cabin without an adult, Royal Caribbean allows only minors in the room if it's one cabin away from the adults.  It can be one cabin away by connecting or adjacent cabins, or even across the hall.

I just tried one of Royal Caribbean’s most exclusive and expensive suites. Despite the amazing perks, I might book an interior cabin next time.

On my most recent cruise—a 3-night getaway on the brand-new Utopia of the Seas—I booked a Star Class suite for the first time. Star Class is the highest tier of Royal Caribbean’s Royal Suite Class, which encompasses the largest, most lavish suites in the cruise line’s fleet.

These cabins can cost upwards of $30,000 for a 7-night cruise, with the biggest suites often priced over $50,000.

As someone who typically books cheaper cabins on cruise ships, like interior rooms, I never considered booking a Star Class suite. Sure, there's nothing fancy about cruising in a dark, windowless cabin, but with so much to do on Royal Caribbean’s cruise ships, I rarely spend much time in my cabin anyway.

Related: We stayed in every type of cabin on Royal Caribbean—here's how they compared

Due to the price, I had a hard time justifying cruising in a Star Class suite. Yet when a friend’s change of plans left them with an empty bedroom in one of these suites, I jumped at the last-minute invitation to join the cruise.

After a weekend trying Star Class, though, I think I would have had just as much fun in my usual interior cabin.

I cruised in a 2-bedroom AquaTheater suite, which cost over $11,000 for the weekend cruise

For the weekend, I stayed in a 2-bedroom AquaTheater suite on Utopia of the Seas. The total cost was $11,388, or nearly $3,800 per passenger including gratuities. While usually among the cheapest Star Class cabins to book, the suite still came with a hefty price tag.

Related: Take a look inside my $11,000 suite on Utopia of the Seas

It was, however, unlike any cabin I’ve booked before. Inside were two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a spacious living room, and a wraparound balcony with panoramic ocean views.

The cabin came stocked with complimentary beverages, from seltzers to sodas, and a selection of finger foods were delivered to the room each day.

If the suite’s amenities were any indication of what my overall Star Class experience would be like, I now had high expectations.

My suite came with a personal concierge, my own “magic maker” onboard the ship

All Star Class suites on Royal Caribbean come with a Royal Genie, the cruise line’s “magic maker” for suite guests. While there are no strict guidelines as to what the Royal Genie can and cannot do for Star Class guests, their goal, in a nutshell, is to make the cruise experience as seamless as possible.

I first met my Royal Genie, Carlos, at the cruise terminal, after which he promptly escorted me onboard Utopia of the Seas and to my opulent suite. Once there, we confirmed my weekend schedule. He had already organized entertainment and dining reservations.

Related: My advice for someone using a Royal Genie on a Royal Caribbean cruise

After just minutes with my Royal Genie, I was impressed by his friendliness and attention to detail.

Throughout the weekend cruise, Carlos was truly a magic maker. He took my Starbucks and breakfast order for the following day each evening, and he also escorted me around the ship, whether to my front-row, reserved seats at the ice-skating show or to enter a specialty restaurant for dinner.

Whenever I had a question or made a special request, Carlos was available and ready to assist almost immediately.

I wasn’t used to this type of luxury, so I felt out of my element

As someone who cruises in budget cabins, I was not accustomed to the luxury of a Royal Genie. Truthfully, I don’t find it that difficult to do things myself, whether making a reservation at a specialty restaurant or reserving a theater show ahead of time on Royal Caribbean’s app.

Nonetheless, I was still curious to test the benefits of my Royal Genie further. A few hours after boarding, I messaged Carlos to request a quesadilla and glass of wine to be delivered to the suite. I felt somewhat ridiculous requesting this; I could have easily obtained the items myself with just a short walk. Regardless, my request was promptly fulfilled.

I made a few similar requests throughout the weekend, but despite the convenience, I always felt slightly uncomfortable asking too much of my Royal Genie. Knowing how diligently Royal Caribbean’s crew members work, I felt guilty asking for silly requests that I could do myself, even if this is part of the genie’s job description.

I loved having access to the ship’s exclusive, suites-only spaces

Outside of my cabin, one of my favorite aspects of cruising in a suite was having access to Utopia of the Seas’ Suite Neighborhood.

Royal Caribbean’s newest ships feature an entire neighborhood dedicated to suite guests. On Utopia of the Seas, the Suite Neighborhood encompasses the Suite Lounge, Coastal Kitchen restaurant, and an exclusive outdoor sun deck.

During my three days onboard, I took full advantage of these spaces. On a ship with over 6,000 passengers, the suites-only spaces felt like a haven away from the hustle and bustle found elsewhere.

I particularly enjoyed the ambiance of Coastal Kitchen.

This suites-only restaurant offers a more enhanced dining experience than the larger, more chaotic Main Dining Room for non-suite passengers. The menu offered upscale options like lobster risotto, and tables were far apart from each other, which provided more privacy to guests.

My Star Class suite included perks like a drink package and dining package

Aside from access to the Suite Neighborhood and a Royal Genie, another benefit of Star Class are all of the included perks.

Star Class guests receive a Deluxe Beverage Package, Unlimited Dining Package, included WiFi on one device, and complimentary laundry services, among other benefits.

Related: The Ultimate Guide to Royal Caribbean's Unlimited Dining Package

Although I always purchase a WiFi package when I cruise, I rarely spend money on extras like a dining package, drink package, or laundry. I was skeptical of whether or not I would make use of these benefits. Of course, they were already included in my cruise fare, so I tried to find value in the perks.

I started off my cruise with an embarkation day brunch at The Mason Jar, the first of five specialty dining meals during the sailing. I appreciated the wide variety of cuisine at specialty restaurants, from sushi to steak, and found the food quality higher than that in the ship’s complimentary dining venues. Of all the perks, this was probably my most utilized.

The laundry perk proved useful, too. I sent my travel outfit to dry cleaning after boarding the ship, and I later had a full bag of laundry washed so I could return home with clean clothes.

I didn’t get value from the Deluxe Beverage Package, and wished there was an option to remove it

Despite making use of the Unlimited Dining Package and laundry services, I wish I could have opted out of the Deluxe Beverage Package to save money on my cruise fare.

I never book drink packages when I cruise. As a Diamond Plus member in Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society, I already receive five free drinks each day. Spending over $70 per day on a drink package just doesn’t make sense. I would need to drink over 10 drinks per day to maybe break even!

Related: Royal Caribbean Drink Package Info, Tips, Pros & Cons

Because of this, the drink package was one of my least favorite benefits of Star Class. It is included in the cruise fare, but I would rather save money on the overall cost of the suite and remove the package.

I understand Royal Caribbean wants the Star Class suites to be as all-inclusive as possible, but I would rather book a cheaper cabin and purchase the add-ons I actually want individually.

My Star Class benefits were unbelievable, but cheaper cabins can offer just as much fun

Despite the mind-blowing benefits that came with my Star Class cabin, I probably won’t book this type of cabin again.

Don’t get me wrong—I loved feeling like royalty onboard. However, at over $11,000 for the weekend, Star Class is simply out of my budget for regular vacations. Personally, I might rather use that money to visit a new-to-me destination, or perhaps try a luxury, all-inclusive cruise on Silversea, Royal Caribbean’s sister brand.

As someone who travels on a budget, I recognize that I am not part of the cruise line’s target demographic for Star Class. Many passengers booking these high-end suites may not find the price tag to be a concern, and they are unlikely to worry about the benefits justifying the expensive cruise fare.

Aside from just the price, though, I still wouldn't say my experience in a Star Class cabin was any more enjoyable than cruises where I’ve booked interior, oceanview, and balcony rooms.

I’ve had just as much fun watching movies with my sister in an interior room, viewing Alaska’s glaciers from the pool deck instead of a balcony cabin, and reading under the sunlight from an oceanview cabin’s cozy porthole.

At the end of the day, the main reason I cruise is to make memories around the world with those I care about. Whether I’m staying in the best or worst cabin onboard is an afterthought.

I usually hunker down at home for New Year's Eve, but this year I wanted to party it up.

Everyone thinks of the ultimate for New Year's Eve party as freezing in Times Square fighting a crowd and wearing an adult diaper, but that sounds like the worst idea to me.  Instead, I looked at how we could combine my favorite way to vacation with ringing in 2025.

Over a year earlier, I booked two cabins on Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas so I could spend New Year's Eve somewhere other than home.

It seemed like a great way to avoid the overwhelming nature of going into a city, without compromising on the party atmosphere.

I booked two connecting ocean balcony cabins for my family on a 5-night sailing of Voyager of the Seas that departed Port Canaveral, Florida.  Not only would we be on the ship for New Year's Eve, but we'd get to visit Cozumel, Mexico and Royal Caribbean's private island too.  That gets me beautiful beach days in addition to the party I sought after.

The price for each cabin was $3,200, bringing the total for both rooms at $6408.36.

You have a choice of parties to attend

Royal Caribbean splits up its ship into different party zones, with the idea that you can get different vibes at each.

We had a list of the parties offered delivered to our stateroom, with times that each would occur.

All the parties have no cost to them, so it's just first-come, first-to-party.

By far the most popular party was the Times Square-esque party on the Royal Promenade, which has a giant balloon drop.

Being a family cruise line, there were other options to drop your kids off or party with your kids.  This is a major benefit of celebrating New Year's Eve on a cruise ship, because it's rare to find kid-friendly options at land parties.

There are optional tables you can rent, and it was more expensive than I expected

On the Royal Promenade, there's an option to rent tables for the duration of the party.

You get a reserved table with chairs, along with drink service and complimentary bottle of champagne.

The cost was $800 for the table. While I can appreciate the exclusivity factor and not having to be elbow-to-elbow with others, it seemed like a steep price.

Nonetheless, they sold all of their tables, so clearly there's a market for it.

I decided to forgo paying for a spot, and find our own luck.

We spent our night hopping between parties

My original plan was to check out all the parties, but I ended up closer to the Royal Promenade.

I started out with live music in the Pub, prior to the festivities officially kicking off.

The pub singer played a couple of sets, beginning at 6:30pm. Technically this wasn't one of the New Years Eve parties, but it set the tone.

After his set was done, we ventured out to to the Royal Promenade.

It wasn't busy at all, with just a small crowd around the band that was playing music at the center of it.

In fact, the Promenade never got truly busy until the 11pm hour.  I think most people were doing what I was doing up until then and roaming.

We found a spot in the Schooner Bar, which is one deck below the Royal Promenade.  There was no entertainment here, but there was full bar service and seats. Plus, I could run up to the Royal Promenade quite easily.

Once 11pm, things start to get serious with the party atmosphere.

On the Royal Promenade, the crowd really sets in and for those seeking a typical New Year's Eve celebration, this is what you'll get.

Lots of people together, ready to welcome in the new year.

The ship's entertainment staff is there to count it all down, and right at midnight the balloons are dropped and there's a massive eruption of cheers.

In all, I loved how easy it was to get in and out without any traffic, or real thought into what we needed to do. It was all there to enjoy.

If you want to celebrate New Year's Eve without fuss, I think this is the way to go

There's no doubt spending New Year's Eve on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship was the right play for our family.

Partying on land is great, but it involves much more planning. Plus, I would never want to go to a city and do the ball drop experience. A cruise was the perfect approximation of what it's all about without the hassle.

The downside to booking a New Year's Eve cruise is you'll pay a higher price for a holiday sailing.

Bargain hunters will not find the price of a cruise over a major holiday palatable, but there's plenty of other people willing to pay it. Our ship was completely sold out, and clearly many opted to spend more on a reserved table for the party.

The simplicity of it all is what makes a cruise such an attractive vacation to begin with, and this holds true with a New Year's Eve cruise.

Several passengers are suing Royal Caribbean after one of the company's former crew members was convicted and sentenced to 30 years in prison for placing hidden cameras in guests' staterooms and secretly recording young children. 

Aronfeld Trial Lawyers filed the 30-page lawsuit in the U.S. Southern District of Florida in Miami on Thursday on behalf of 12 U.S. plaintiffs, as reported by CBS News. 

Arvin Joseph Mirasol, a cabin steward from the Philippines, was arrested in March after a passenger onboard Symphony of the Seas reported finding a concealed camera in their bathroom. The device was discovered when the guest reached under the sink to grab toilet paper. 

He was arrested when the ship returned to Port Everglades on March 3, 2024. Mirasol's electronics were seized, and authorities uncovered videos of child pornography dating back to Dec. 2023. 

In addition to the recordings, he would hide under guests' beds while they were in the shower. He also claimed to pleasure himself while watching videos during a post-Miranda interview, adding he "wants to control it...but can't."

Mirasol was convicted in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in August, with U.S. District Judge Melissa Damian sentencing him to 30 years in prison. He also faces up to 15 charges of video voyeurism in Broward Circuit Court.

"The fact that many of the victims we represent still do not know if and how their images have been used or circulated is incredibly disturbing. Some of the plaintiffs are children - and once an image is on the internet it is there forever," said the plaintiffs' attorney Spencer Aronfeld in a news release.

Read more: Royal Caribbean crew member accused of hiding cameras to spy on guests

"We hope that RCCL will take full responsibility for the heinous and reprehensible conduct of its crewmember. And we hope that this lawsuit will motivate RCCL and the other major cruise lines to spend more effort screening their crewmembers so that this type of assault never happens again."

The law firm added that the plaintiffs have suffered "physical pain, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental and nervous disorders." 

The permanent and ongoing nature of the injuries has caused lasting harm. As a result, the plaintiffs seek a judgment for all damages allowable under the law, including punitive damages. 

Not the first lawsuit

In October, a Royal Caribbean guest, identified as Jane Doe, filed a class action lawsuit alleging that she was filmed by a hidden camera in her stateroom bathroom. 

The lawsuit accuses Mirasol of recording Doe "while undressed and engaged in private activities," and uploading images of Doe to the internet.

“Upon information and belief, Mirasol transmitted and/or uploaded images of the Plaintiff while undressed and engaging in private activities, to third parties and/or to the world wide web, including, but not limited to, the dark web, without Plaintiff’s prior knowledge or consent,” the complaint states. 

The lawsuit holds Royal Caribbean responsible for failing to provide sufficient security, training, or supervision to prevent sexual assaults. Additionally, it claims the cruise line didn't warn guests about the risk of such crimes and failed to notify passengers who stayed in staterooms serviced by Mirasol. 

The lawsuit suggests that as many as 960 passengers who sailed on Symphony of the Seas between December 1, 2023, and February 26, 2024, may have been affected by Mirasol's actions.

Symphony of the Seas is an Oasis Class ship based out of Florida

Symphony of the Seas currently sails from Miami, Florida, on 7-night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. She's one of the largest cruise ships in the world, following Icon of the Seas, Utopia of the Seas, and Wonder of the Seas. 

The 228,081 gross registered ton ship will relocate to Cape Liberty, New Jersey, in April 2025, primarily offering itineraries to the Bahamas. However, she'll make two 9-night cruises to the Eastern Caribbean on April 30 and July 4. 

Guests can take advantage of one of four pools, an ice skating rink, a miniature golf course, an outdoor AquaTheater, more than 20 dining options, a zip-line, Broadway-style entertainment, and more. 

Read more: I stayed in a $1,400 stateroom on Symphony of the Seas

Ranking the best Royal Caribbean cruise ships often highlights the newest and biggest ships because of how many innovations and cool things there are to do onboard.

Voyager of the Seas is 25 years old, but remains a great family cruise experience and should not be overlooked.

I'm sailing with my family on Voyager of the Seas, and it's actually my very first time on this ship.  While I've sailed on plenty of Voyager Class ships over the years, this is the first time on one of Royal Caribbean's original game changers.

When Voyager of the Seas launched in 1999, it was the world's largest cruise ship.  It even had its own zip code because of how noteworthy it was at the time.

The 137,276-ton cruise ship ushered in the modern age of mega ships, and paved the way for significantly larger ships to follow.

Sailing from Florida after years being overseas

This is my first time ever sailing on Voyager of the Seas and the major reason I haven't been able to try this ship is because she was always based elsewhere.

For many years, Voyager was homeported in Australia and Asia. This meant it was just out of reach for me to sail on.

All cruise ships eventually get moved around, and Royal Caribbean shifted Voyager back to Florida for the 2024-2025 season.

Voyager arrived at her new homeport of Port Canaveral in December, and is offering 4- and 5-night cruises to The Bahamas and Western Caribbean.

Unlike Utopia of the Seas, Voyager's itineraries have a bit more variety to them.  Voyager will not only visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, but also Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Bimini.

For those that want more exotic locales, you'll get short cruises with varied ports on Voyager.

Water slides, shows, pools, and more

Ready for family fun on your cruise? Voyager of the Seas delivers on it.

Royal Caribbean spent $97 million in 2019 to enhance Voyager, bringing a few upgrades to the ship.

The list of changes include renovated cabins, two waterslides, a new spa, Battle for Planet Z laser tag, redesigned kids and teens spaces, and a new nursery for babies and toddlers.

It's quite noticeable how good the changes have been to the kids club spaces on Voyager. 

There's a nursery now on the ship, and Adventure Ocean has the same updated programming that you'll find on Wonder of the Seas or Icon of the Seas.

The most noticeable upgrade are the addition of racer waterslides, and every ship Royal Caribbean has added slides to has been a major win for families.

Even if you don’t usually go on waterslides, these new additions are worth a try.

Of course, Voyager has a few staples that are still crowd pleasers and have been for years, such as the rock climbing wall, ice rink, mini-golf area, and FlowRider.

There's also a few shows onboard, including a Broadway revue show in the Royal Theater and an ice skating performance. 

The shows are the perfect "dinner and a show" evening offering.

Plus, you'll find the usual assortment of evening entertainment, such as game shows, singers, musicians, and movies.

Nearly all the entertainment on Voyager is included in your cruise fare, which means there's plenty of ways to have a great day and evening without paying more for it.

Upgraded spaces too

It's worth noting how much of an overhaul the Vitality Spa received, as it's not usually an area of a cruise ship that gets a ton of work.

Royal Caribbean offers a large, purpose built spa on Voyager that is brand new. There's a more contemporary design to the waiting room and treatment rooms. Plus, there are so many ways to look out to the ocean while getting a treatment (assuming you can keep your eyes open).

If you're lucky enough to be staying in a suite, the suite lounge has a new look to it that matches Royal Caribbean's newest ship lounges.

Located on Deck 14 next to the Viking Crown Lounge, the suite lounge has a good look and better views.

Voyager of the Seas is probably cheaper than any of the newest ships

Speaking of value, one of the top reasons I was drawn to Voyager of the Seas is the price.

Compared to other ships, you're going to save a lot of money sailing on Voyager. New cruise ships always have a premium price tag, but Voyager is the perfect middle ground to avoid the sticker shock you get with Utopia of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, or Icon of the Seas.

Plus, Voyager offers a good assortment of family fun onboard. While you won't confuse Voyager for Icon, you aren't compromising on the variety of activities like you would if you opted for an even older cruise ship, such as Grandeur of the Seas.

Plus, you're getting varied itineraries too. Anytime you can find a short Caribbean cruise that goes somewhere other than The Bahamas, I'd consider that a good choice.